Topic: RE: Painting Stripes / Or Decals

[chewbacca5000]

I am considering the best way to get stripes on my tanks.  I like the idea of painting stripes, but have never done so before.  I am thinking of taping off 3 stripes on my silver tank for my 1972 CB750 and shooting candy then taking the tape off.

The other option is to put silver pinstripe down.  Looking for options and sources for materials.

[flybox1]

only use 3M auto painters tape.  comes off easily and no residue. rolls of brown masking paper are also available at the local auto store for taping off larger areas. 
i had great rattle can results.
3 coats of spraymax2K went on after.
a week later I wetsanded with 2500/3200 until all orange peel was gone.
DA polish/swirl remover.
glossy 

[chewbacca5000]

Thanks Flybox1,

Any tips for getting the lines on good and straight.  Is there any type of 3M auto tape that is better?

[flybox1]

I used this..
http://3mcollision.com/products/tapes/masking-tapes/3m-automotive-masking-tape-06547-36mm.html

I have the K8 tank, and just followed the contour of the tanks creases applying the tape by hand.
I just had to make sure the start and finish spots were the same on each side.

tape is cheap, and it wont pull up a dry base or primer or leave residue.  use  powderless nitrile gloves to keep oils off the base coat and tape so it seals well.  mark your start and finish, inside and outside points and do it by hand, then step back and take a look.
Have someone else check it too.  2 sets of eyes.....

[Magilla]

Tip:  use tape to set up your lines.

Example: if you want one inch lines, grab some one inch electrical tape and lay it on how you want it.  Then buy fine line tape at your auto paint store and run that on your outside edges of the electrical tape.  Once those are down you can remove the electrical tape and your lines will be perfectly even spaced.  Then you paint the area between the two strips of fine line tape (after masking off the rest of the tank)


My feelings on paint Vrs vinyl stripes,  it's always best to paint if possible.  They last longer and if done right you can't feel them. This is also better when it comes time to wax your bike.

[flybox1]

agreed ^^ its an easy technique as tape comes in many widths.
..but dont use anything but auto masking tape to make or frame your lines.
all others will leave a residue and fk up your base coat.  trust me 

[chewbacca5000]

Thanks guys!  At what point is the tape normally applied?  For me, my plan of attack is to rough up the clear with 600 grit sandpaper, tape, then use candy for the stripes and apply more clear.

Is this a good plan, or is there a better / easier way to do this?

Thanks!

[Magilla]

Not sure where you are in the paint process. Let's assume that the bike is already painted and you want to add stripes

Don't use 600. Use a wetland paper. You don't need deep grooves just a little bit to bite into.  Scuff the area to paint.  Clean, reclean and then tape.  Paint to desired color.  Carefully remove tape before it is completely dry.  Slightly tacky is ok. Then start your clear.

Don't let your stripe dry completely if you can help it.  If it does dry you will need to scuff it before you clear.  Also remember that you have to scuff everywhere you will clear coat. The clear will not stick to a smooth surface.

[chewbacca5000]

Not sure where you are in the paint process. Let's assume that the bike is already painted and you want to add stripes

Don't use 600. Use a wetland paper. You don't need deep grooves just a little bit to bite into.  Scuff the area to paint.  Clean, reclean and then tape.  Paint to desired color.  Carefully remove tape before it is completely dry.  Slightly tacky is ok. Then start your clear.

Don't let your stripe dry completely if you can help it.  If it does dry you will need to scuff it before you clear.  Also remember that you have to scuff everywhere you will clear coat. The clear will not stick to a smooth surface.

This helps.  Tanks is painted silver metallic flake with clear.  I will scuff with wet sandpaper.  I will try to work quick and pay attention to when the paint is starting to get tacky and pull the tape then clear.

Thanks!

[Magilla]

Chewy,  you really need to wetsand the entire tank before striping.  You can use 600 if you want but don't use anything heavier. When pulling the tape, pull at an angle and not straight back.  This gives it a "knife cut". And this gives you a straighter line.

[chewbacca5000]

Chewy,  you really need to wetsand the entire tank before striping.  You can use 600 if you want but don't use anything heavier. When pulling the tape, pull at an angle and not straight back.  This gives it a "knife cut". And this gives you a straighter line.

Wow tips like these are worth their weight in gold.  I was just going to yank it off like an old bandade!

[flybox1]

600 is a bit heavy.  you're trying to scuff the surface, not remove material.  800 wet, max, with a sanding sponge.  how is your clear surface after your last shoot?  any orange peel?
you might just want to grab 1500 wet and your sponge, and hit it again to make sure all your peel is gone if its not exactly how you want it.  it will knock it down and scuff it enough for your next shoot.  add a drop or 2 of dish soap to your water, and keep it really wet.

its good to wipe it down with one of those 3M paint prep wipes before any new paint goes down after a sanding.  keeps anything off that might prevent your next coats from bonding and curing.

[chewbacca5000]

600 is a bit heavy.  you're trying to scuff the surface, not remove material.  800 wet, max, with a sanding sponge.  how is your clear surface after your last shoot?  any orange peel?
you might just want to grab 1500 wet and your sponge, and hit it again to make sure all your peel is gone if its not exactly how you want it.  it will knock it down and scuff it enough for your next shoot.  add a drop or 2 of dish soap to your water, and keep it really wet.

its good to wipe it down with one of those 3M paint prep wipes before any new paint goes down after a sanding.  keeps anything off that might prevent your next coats from bonding and curing.

Thanks for the tip.  I am not sure how paint can even stick to 1,000 or 1,500 grit

[flybox1]

you make 1 pass over minimal orange peel with wet 2000 and a good sponge, and you'll see all the tiny imperfections from your sanding path.  a few more passes and they're all gone and ready for polish and that perfect finish.  re-wet your sponge after every 3-4 strokes. 
its easy to take a little more off, its more laborious to put more back on 

[chewbacca5000]

you make 1 pass over minimal orange peel with wet 2000 and a good sponge, and you'll see all the tiny imperfections from your sanding path.  a few more passes and they're all gone and ready for polish and that perfect finish.  re-wet your sponge after every 3-4 strokes. 
its easy to take a little more off, its more laborious to put more back on 

I am good with cut and buff.  Just need to know what grit to use to rough up the clear so I can spray my stripes.  Thanks!

[Magilla]

I used 800 last night.  I used this to scuff the clear and then I striped it.  I could have used 1000 or even 1200.  It does not make much of a difference becuase I am going to clear over it.

[chewbacca5000]

I used 800 last night.  I used this to scuff the clear and then I striped it.  I could have used 1000 or even 1200.  It does not make much of a difference becuase I am going to clear over it.

Thanks!  Same here!

[greenjeans]

What type of stripes are you doing ?    I have a vector file of the early stripe (like on the bike in my avatar) that you could take to any sign shop.
They could cut a reverse mask out of vinyl that is specifically designed to be a paint mask.  Watch out for the regular vinyls - the adhesive is usually too agressive when removing the vinyl.    I've always used 800 on a rubber block on the clear before I do any stripes.  Flattens things out and is plenty of bite for the next coats of paint.

[chewbacca5000]

What type of stripes are you doing ?    I have a vector file of the early stripe (like on the bike in my avatar) that you could take to any sign shop.
They could cut a reverse mask out of vinyl that is specifically designed to be a paint mask.  Watch out for the regular vinyls - the adhesive is usually too agressive when removing the vinyl.    I've always used 800 on a rubber block on the clear before I do any stripes.  Flattens things out and is plenty of bite for the next coats of paint.

I am thinking of doing straight stripes, but would really like that vector file.  I might just have to change my mind and paint the regular stripes.

I'll PM you my info.

Thanks!

[Magilla]

The painted strip on Greenjeans bike is beautiful. Much better than the stock sticker.  The paint on his bike still looks wet.  This is a high quality job.

You should not be able to feel the strip when the job is done.  I bet a dollar to a dime that you can't feel the stripe on his bike.

[chewbacca5000]

The painted strip on Greenjeans bike is beautiful. Much better than the stock sticker.  The paint on his bike still looks wet.  This is a high quality job.

You should not be able to feel the strip when the job is done.  I bet a dollar to a dime that you can't feel the stripe on his bike.

Your probably right.  Smooth as glass.  I want that vector stripe so I can paint different color stripe sets in the future.  My current challenge is painting all the bits and pieces a nice candy orange.

It's tougher to paint this little stuff than a tank and side covers IMO.  Looking into powder for the 18th time.  Every one wants big bucks for the bits and pieces.

Gloss black is OK, but I want something different.

[Retro Rocket]

The painted strip on Greenjeans bike is beautiful.

Thats interesting i was under the impression they were stickers.... I was supposed to get the vector files of Greenjeans a while back....

[RAFster122s]

The pinstripe guys sometimes use a special paint bottle with a roller applicator and it has attachments that help you space dual pinstripes. The real pros do it all by hand with long brush of sable or camelshair. The lowrider crowd in the East LA area have some of the top pinstripers in the business.

David

P.S. oh yeah, don't pull the tape too quick as some paints can be stringy when the coat is a little thick and not dry enough...
Practice on a scrap panel finished like your tank/sidecovers to get a feel for it with your paint.
Beats trying to repaint or fix a mistake.

[chewbacca5000]

The painted strip on Greenjeans bike is beautiful.

Thats interesting i was under the impression they were stickers.... I was supposed to get the vector files of Greenjeans a while back....

I think he printed out the vector image on vinyl at a sign shop and used it as a mask.  Pretty clever if you ask me. 


And RAFster122S  thanks for the advice I will be sure to practice on scrap material first to get the hang of it.